Human history has spanned countless generations and seen the rise and fall of civilizations, shaping the world we live in today. Ancient cultures, traditions, and beliefs have evolved over millennia, and some countries have histories that stretch back thousands of years. Here’s a look at the ten oldest countries in the world, as ranked by the World Population Review.
- Iran – 3200 BCE
Iran’s history dates back tens of thousands of years, with its first major city, Susa, built around 3200 BCE. The Iranian empire began during the Iron Age, and the Achaemenid Empire, founded by Cyrus the Great, became the largest empire in the world at the time. Spanning from the Balkans to Central Asia and North Africa, the Achaemenid Empire was a key player in global history. Cyrus is celebrated for his military conquests, but also for his relatively progressive policies, including respect for the customs and religions of the lands he conquered. Iran’s rich and ancient culture continues to influence its identity today.
- Egypt – 3100 BCE
The Egyptian civilization dates back to around 3150 BCE when Upper and Lower Egypt were unified by King Narmer, the first king of the First Dynasty. This early period marked the start of one of the longest-lasting civilizations in history, lasting nearly 3000 years. Ancient Egypt became known for its impressive monuments, like the pyramids and the Sphinx, and for its complex society, which was deeply connected to the Nile River. Though Alexander the Great conquered Egypt in 332 BCE, its legacy endures, and its influence on the Mediterranean and beyond is undeniable.
- Vietnam – 2879 BCE
The history of Vietnam stretches back 20,000 years, with early settlers, the Hoabinhians, occupying the area. The first legendary state of Vietnam was established around 2879 BCE, with the people in the region forming a government. The primary motivation for this was to manage the recurring floods from the Red River, protect the area from invaders, and encourage trade. Vietnam’s long history of resisting invaders, from the Chinese to the French and the Americans, has played a central role in shaping its modern identity. The Vietnamese people’s resilience is a recurring theme throughout their history.
- Armenia – 2492 BCE
Armenia’s historical roots go deep, with evidence of human presence in the region dating back to the Lower Paleolithic period, around a million years ago. The earliest widely accepted reference to the Armenian people comes from the Behistun Inscription, a 6th-century BCE source. Armenia is a country steeped in history, and its role as one of the earliest adopters of Christianity in the 4th century remains a defining feature of its identity. While its ancient kingdom has long since faded, Armenia’s cultural and historical significance endures.
- North Korea – 2333 BCE
According to legend, the first Korean kingdom, Gojoseon, was founded in 2333 BCE by the semi-divine figure Tangun. This date is commemorated as National Foundation Day, or Gaecheonjeol, in South Korea. While North Korea does not celebrate the day as a public holiday, a ceremony is held annually at the Mausoleum of Tangun. Korea’s long history of dynasties and external influence, particularly from China and Japan, has helped shape the distinct identities of the two Koreas today. The legend of Tangun continues to play a central role in North Korean mythology and identity.
- China – 2070 BCE
China’s civilization is among the world’s oldest, with continuous history spanning around 4000 years, though some evidence suggests signs of civilization as far back as 5800 years ago. China’s pre-imperial history includes key dynasties such as Xia, Shang, and Zhou, which shaped the foundation of Chinese culture, government, and philosophy. The Xia Dynasty, traditionally considered the first, began around 2070 BCE. Following this, various imperial dynasties rose and fell, but China remained a dominant force in the region. Today, China stands as one of the oldest continuous civilizations, its historical influence undeniable.
- India – 2000 BCE
India’s rich history stretches back over 5000 years, with the Indus Valley Civilization being one of the earliest advanced societies, emerging around 3000 BCE. The first humans arrived in India between 70,000 and 50,000 BCE, marking the beginning of continuous settlement. The Indus Valley Civilization, with cities like Harappa, thrived from 3300 to 1600 BCE. India also witnessed the rise of powerful empires, such as the Maurya and Gupta dynasties, which contributed significantly to mathematics, science, art, and philosophy. India’s long history of cultural diversity and exchange continues to shape its modern identity.
- Georgia – 1300 BCE
Georgia’s history dates back much further than 1300 BCE, though this is the date commonly cited as the formation of its earliest government. Evidence of human occupation in Georgia goes back 1.8 million years, with the discovery of the Dmanisi Hominins, a subspecies of Homo erectus. This ancient country has been at the crossroads of many empires, including the Roman, Persian, and Ottoman empires. Georgia’s location in the Caucasus has made it a key strategic and cultural region throughout history, and it remains a unique blend of East and West.
- Israel – 1300 BCE
The earliest recorded evidence of the Israelites dates to around 1200 BCE, as seen in the Merneptah Stele from ancient Egypt. These early Israelites were nomadic and tribal, eventually settling in Canaan. Over time, they established a more formal kingdom, with key figures like King David and King Solomon playing significant roles in uniting the tribes and building Jerusalem as a cultural and religious center. The historical importance of Israel, both as an ancient kingdom and as a modern nation, remains deeply significant, especially in religious and cultural contexts.
- Sudan – 1070 BCE
The region now known as Sudan has a long history of human settlement, with evidence of habitation dating back to the Mesolithic era (30,000 to 20,000 BCE). However, Sudan’s more formal history begins around 1070 BCE, when the Kingdom of Kush rose to prominence. Kushite rulers even ruled over Egypt during the 25th Dynasty, known as the “Kushite Dynasty.” Sudan’s history is closely intertwined with that of Egypt and other neighboring regions, and it has long played an important role in the history of the African continent.
These countries, with histories dating back thousands of years, continue to influence the world today. Their ancient cultures and legacies live on in modern societies, offering insight into humanity’s shared past and the development of civilizations over time.
